MBABANE – Government has unveiled a E160 million agricultural mechanisation programme to strengthen food sovereignty.
This is aimed at improving productivity and easing long-standing equipment shortages that continue to undermine farming output across the country.
The investment, equivalent to about US$9.7 million, was announced yesterday by Minister for Agriculture Mandla Tshawuka during a press conference held at the ministry’s offices, where he outlined the scope, financing structure and expected impact of the Agricultural Mechanisation Project. The programme will be implemented over five years and will deliver 250 mechanisation packages, including tractors and selected implements, to the National Maize Corporation (NMC) and private tractor owners. The equipment will be distributed in annual tranches of 50 units, with the first batch already available.
Tshawuka said the E160 million project addresses one of the most persistent constraints facing local farmers: Limited and untimely access to agricultural machinery, particularly during peak planting and harvesting seasons.
“Farming is a timing issue. When farmers fail to access machinery at the right time, yields are affected and opportunities are lost,” he said.
The minister noted that as the country moves towards commercial agriculture and economies of scale, mechanisation is no longer optional.
He cited large-scale maize production as an example, saying farmers cultivating hundreds of hectares cannot realistically rely on manual harvesting methods and require modern equipment such as combine harvesters to remain productive. The mechanisation drive is being implemented through a partnership involving the Eswatini Agricultural Development Fund (EADF), NMC, the United States Embassy, Standard Bank, John Deere and Swazi Trac, the local John Deere dealership.
Under the programme’s distribution model, 10 mechanisation packages will be allocated to NMC annually, while 40 packages per year will go to private tractor owners, creating a blended public-private approach designed to expand access while supporting commercial sustainability.
Tshawuka said while government has made repeated efforts to recapitalise the Tractor Hire Mechanisation Programme, these interventions have not been sufficient to meet rising demand, resulting in delays in land preparation and planting that directly affect national output.
“The shortfall in mechanisation capacity has had a direct impact on yields, productivity and ultimately food sovereignty. This programme strengthens NMC’s replacement plan while allowing the private sector to meaningfully participate,” he said.
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US to assist Eswatini in growing agriculture sector
MBABANE – United States Chargé d’Affaires Marc Weinstock said agriculture lies at the heart of both Eswatini’s and the United States’ development priorities.
He said it was an honour to witness the signing of an agreement that will see 250 John Deere tractors delivered to Eswatini over the next five years, describing the initiative as deeply significant to the livelihoods of emaSwati.
He noted that the sector plays a critical role in feeding populations, supporting livelihoods and generating income.
“Agriculture feeds our people, feeds our children and provides revenue for our countries. Its importance cannot be overstated,” he said.
Weinstock highlighted John Deere’s long-standing global contribution to agricultural development, noting that the company was founded in 1837 by American blacksmith and innovator John Deere, and has since grown into one of the world’s leading agricultural and construction equipment manufacturers. He said the company’s expansion beyond the United States reflects its broader commitment to supporting farmers globally and advancing food security worldwide.
Turning to bilateral relations, Weinstock said the United States and Eswatini share a long-standing partnership dating back several decades, adding that cooperation between the two governments has spanned critical areas, including HIV and AIDS response, security cooperation and now agriculture.
He said the United States Government remains committed to deepening cooperation with Eswatini, particularly in the agricultural sector, where challenges persist and require sustained support.
“We will continue to assist the Ministry of Agriculture in areas that are challenging and explore further opportunities to strengthen agricultural development,” he said.
Weinstock expressed appreciation for being part of what he described as a “monumental” signing between Standard Bank and the Ministry of Agriculture, saying the partnership represents a meaningful step towards improving food security and agricultural productivity. He concluded by thanking stakeholders for the opportunity to witness the agreement and wished participants success in the implementation of the mechanisation programme.
Meanwhile, Standard Bank Chief Executive Mvuselelo Fakudze said the bank was proud to associate itself with the agricultural mechanisation programme, describing the initiative as one that speaks directly to the livelihoods of emaSwati, many of whom continue to depend on subsistence farming. Fakudze said most people in the country are not commercial farmers, but rely on small-scale agriculture for survival, making access to farming equipment a critical enabler of food security. “For many emaSwati, maize remains the staple food. Access to tractors allows land to be prepared on time, enabling farmers to plant and harvest efficiently,” he said.
*Full article available in our publication
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